Holy Gosaikunda Lake - 9 Days

Holy Gosaikunda Lake trek combines hiking through the remote and spectacular hidden valleys of Langtang with a visit to the holy lake of Gosainkunda at an altitude of 4,380m/14370ft. This trek brings together the diversity of stunning views of the Himalayas with a vast number of inspiring ethnic encounters. The people living in the highlands of the Langtang region are of Tibetan origin and they introduce themselves as Tamang or Gurung. The trek passes through varied landscapes and green forests, from subtropical to alpine environment, terraced fields, waterfalls, streams, hills and scenic mountains views.

Following the Trisuli River north out of Kathmandu, we travel through Trisuli Bazaar to Dhunche. From there we walk through Sing Gompa to a high plateau, where the sacred lake Gosaikunda is located. After crossing the challenging pass called Laurebina La Pass at 4600m/15100ft, we arrive at Gosainkunda Lake, a sacred lake for both Hindu and Buddhist faiths, which is also known for wonderful scenery. Ringed by high mountains on the northern and eastern sides, the lake offers a fascinating sight and spectacular views of Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges. In addition to its status as a place of religious importance, the lake also offers breathtaking natural landscapes and a challenge to the trekkers.

Gosaikunda lake melts and sips down to form the Trishuli River and remains frozen for six months of the year from Oct/Nov to May/June. Thousands of people trek to this glacial lake every year as a pilgrimage during monsoon season.. This is also a place of pilgrimage for local shamans and medicine men as a place of power. According to a legend Gosaikunda was created by Lord Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his trident “Trishul” to obtain water to quench his thirst after swallowing some poison. We can see a large rock at the heart of the Gosaikunda Lake, which is believed to be the Shiva Shrine. On every “JANAI PURNIMA” - the full moon night of August, thousands of devotees from Nepal and India gather at the shores of Gosaikunda Lake to take a dip, pray and bathe in these holy waters. People believe that the holy water of the lake absolves and purifies their karma nd brings fulfillment in life.

After visiting the lake we continue south, leaving the Langtang region behind us as we travel through Helambu valley to Chisapani and return back to Kathmandu.

This is your introduction day to meet our representative in Kathmandu. Full trek briefing will follow about any necessary formalities and program itinerary, appropriate gear to pack and time for last minute shopping. This is a day of preparation for your trek. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

02

Kathmandu-Dhunche1,950m/6,380ft

6hr drive

Early morning breakfast in the hotel is followed by drive to Dhunche. The journey forwards through the hilly winding road along the Trishuli River. On the way, we get to experience great view of rivers, forest and terraced fields. Dhunche is the district headquarters of Rasuwa district and of "Langtang National Park" as well. Overnight at Dhunche.

03

Dhunche – Sing Gompa 3,350m/11,000ft

5hr trek

Today we climb through forests of pine and Rhododendrom. The only sign of human habitation are the occasional shepherd’s huts at the water points. We stay at Sing Gompa, which is the main attraction at Chandan Bari, which also has several lodges and a small cheese factory.

04

Sing Gompa – Gosainkunda 4,380m/14,370ft

6hr trek

A steep, rugged trail but adequately compensated for by dramatic views; to the west HimalChuli (7,893m/25,900ft), Manaslu (8,156m/26,750ft), and Ganesh Himal (7,406m/24,300ft) and possibly even the Annapurna range. To the north across the valley is LangtangLirung. We pass really nice lodges in the high pasture of Laurebina, cross a small ridge and have our first views of the holy lakes. There are more than 6 large lakes and many small lakes in this area. According to a legend Gosaikunda was created by Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst.

05

Gosainkunda–Laurebina Pass – Ghopte 3,430m/11,250ft

8hr trek

Today the trail is rough and crosses moraines so it’s a challenging day. Passing three small lakes, the trail ascend and crosses Laurebina La Pass (4,609m/15,100ft). Then there’s a descending path down to Phedi and we continue to walk up and down, crossing rocky hills with pine and rhododendron trees. There is a good view in both directions. After the pass, the trail descends alongside a stream through alpine meadow. Lunch at Bhera Goth from where it takes about 2.5hr more to reach Ghoptewhere there are two tea shops. We stay overnight here.

06

Ghopte- Therapati 3,490m/11,450ft

3hr trek

Short walking day designed to give us some rest. The trail continues up ravines and across the boulders of old moraines below the wreckage of a plane that crashed in 1992, then make a final ascent to Therapati on the ridge at 3490m/11,450ft from where we can see Helambu region. We will reach Therapatiaround noon and for the rest of the day we can just rest and relax. Overnight at Therapati.

07

Tharepati – Kutumsang 2,540m/8,300ft

4hr trek

In the morning we walk through the forest on the ridges of hills then descend to Magen Goth where there was an Army camp before. Two lodges are still there. The trail is now climbing gently to the hill, then it descends through the rhododendron forest without settlements but a few shepherds’ huts. The trail still continues further down to Kutumsang where some nice lodges are. Stay overnight at Kutumsang.

08

Kutumsang – Chisapani 2,110m/6,900ft

6hr trek

From Kutumsang the trail traverses through delightful classic hill villages with stone paved steets, some local shops with good mountains views. The trail then drops down to a small hill ridge called Chipling where we stop for lunch. From Chipling the trail continues down to Pati Bhanjyang then final steep climb to Chisapani from where we can see countless snow peaks. Stay overnight at Chisapani.

09

Chisapani – Sundarijal–Kathmandu

4hr trek, 1hr drive

Today is the final day of the trek. Initially we walk on a gentle climbing trail through the forest. Passing an old army camp, the sprawling Tamang settlement at Mulkharka then to Chisapani, which is the ending point of our trek. From here we get a vehicle to come back to Kathmandu. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Trekking (on the way we do stretching & breathing control as well as take breaks for healthy snacks)

Afternoon:

Healthy Lunch / Rest

Afternoon Trekking (on the way we do some stretching, we also take a break for some healthy snacks)

Depending on the weather & trail condition we sometimes do an open nature relaxing meditation (could be on the bank of the river / inside a dense forest / in a garden / in the open air in front of the mountain panorama etc.)

Evening:

Complete Guided Relaxation to rejuvenate the body & mind (yoga nidra)

Healthy Dinner

Discussion about the next day's program

Optional - chanting / singing / playing as part of Bhakti Yoga

Retire

Note: Each day & trek is different, depending on a number of factors ranging from availability of some facilities and trail conditions to the general pace of the whole group. Exact timetable cannot always be followed and would in fact destroy the free and easy going atmosphere of the trek that you have come along to enjoy. Therefore the following schedule serves as a general guideline only.

On your request we can arrange an extension of your holiday and there are many activities you can choose from, depending on your personal preferences. Here is what we can help you arrange:

Yoga Retreat Program

We have various residential yoga retreat programs available from 1-21 days in duration. Typical daily program includes meditation, two yoga classes, jala neti, sound immersion with singing bowls and gong, guided relaxation and daily wellness activities of foot bath, steam bath, mud bath or aromatherapy steam inhalation. Our food is organic and delicious, always cooked fresh by our skilled chef with accordance to ayurvedic principles. You can also learn to make a hand-crafted mandala, have a private sound healing session or get an ayurvedic massage during your stay on request.www.purnayoga.com.np

Chitwan Jungle Safari

Seated high on the back of an elephant, gain a unique viewpoint of the Chitwan National Park which is a home to significant populations of one horned rhino, tigers, leopards, wild hogs, sloth bears, many species of deer, monkeys, langurs, Gharial crocodiles, Indian bisons and many beautiful peacocks. Packages start from 3 days/2 night and longer with a variety of activities including elephant jungle safari, river canoe trip, cultural performance of Tharu stick dance, elephant bathing, jeep safari and more.

River Rafting

Nepal is a home to many raging mountain rivers and streams originating from the Himalayas, which makes it a perfect destination for a river rafting adventure. The excursions start from a short half day rafting tour on Upper Seti river, 1 day for Trisuli river and 2 days for Lower Seti and Marshyangdi. A longer 3 day camping excursion is required for rafting on Kali Gandaki. There are rafting tours suitable for beginners as well as more experienced thrill seekers, grades from II to V, changeable with the seasons.

Paragliding

Pokhara is a paradise for paragliding, on one side towering snow-capped mountains, on the other side a stunning lake surrounded by hills and terraced fields. Such landscapes are sure to take your breath away as you glide through the air seamlessly like a bird in flight. Tandem flights are perfect for beginners, a 30min adventure that gives you a taste of thermal lifts and even some acrobatics if you’re keen. Cross country is the next step with a 60min flight that takes you higher and further. All flights start from Sarankot hill, nearby Pokhara.

Bungee Jumping

There are two bungee jump locations in Nepal. Pokhara has a 70m vertical drop tower bungee, located just 20 minutes away from Lakeside. The jump site offers a spellbinding view of the Himalayas, the hills and the rivers that will take your breath away. The second bungee site is located on a suspension bridge hanging over a 160m deep Bhote Kosi river gorge, 100km east from Kathmandu. Both locations offer superb adrenaline rush and an unforgettable experience.

Canyoning

Take this 1 day tour and journey through intimate passages of contorted rock and powerful blasts of water as experienced guides lead you climbing, abseiling, jumping, scrambling, sliding & swimming down steep canyon walls to pristine natural pools below. Jalberi Canyoning Zone, which is located half way between Pokhara and Kathmandu, features breath-taking scenery of untouched jungle, karst rock formations and multiple cascading waterfalls dropping one after the other into refreshing pools and rainbow gardens.

Zip-Flyer

Pokhara has the world's longest, fastest and steepest zipline, which is over 1.8km long, with a 600 metre vertical drop and which can travel at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. The descent is only 2min long but it is sure to leave a lasting impression as you're flying over treetops, Pokhara Valley with Seti River below you and a vast space in front of you with beautiful mountain panorama in sight. Make the most of your trip, you can't zipline to such extreme anywhere else in the world.

Ultralight Flights

Pokhara offers a range of ultralight flight experiences. The shortest flight is just 15min and it takes you around Pokhara Valley with a mountain panorama view. A 30min flight can take you around the valley and also bring you close and personal with the Fishtail Mountain.

The 60min flight takes you into the heart of the mountains, where you will fly in between the Himalayan mountain ranges for a once in a lifetime experience and an incredible vantage point to snap some stunning photos.

Mountain Flight in Kathmandu

Mountain flights operate from Kathmandu airport and once you take off you don't have to wait long before you see spectacular mountain views beneath you. You get to fly over the highest mountain ranges in the world and you will also see what Mt Everest looks like from above. This is as close as you can get to the world's tallest mountain without trekking. This flight is operated in a 17 seater Beech aircraft and everyone gets a window seat, the flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Please note these Terms and Conditions contain important information. It is essential that you read them carefully and understand them prior to making your reservation with Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Please note that while booking a trip, you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms and Conditions as well as the cancellation policy and certain limitations of liability. When making your booking with Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd it is implied that you have read, understood and accepted all these terms and conditions and agree to abide by them.

1. Booking
To make your reservation you must fill out the booking form and make a booking deposit payment. Your reservation will be confirmed by email once we have received your booking deposit and a copy of your booking form duly filled out.

All treks require a booking deposit of 200 USD per person at the time of booking. Some longer treks like Everest Base Camp and Upper Mustang require a booking deposit of 500 USD per person at the time of booking.

2. Payment Methods
Booking deposit payment can be made by bank transfer, by Visa / MasterCard or by Western Union. The remaining balance can be cleared upon your arrival in Nepal by cash or credit card (credit card payment incurs a 4% charge).

a. Payment by Credit Card (MasterCard or Visa Only)
There is a 4% surcharge when you make your payment with a credit/debit card. Please download the credit card payment form and complete the necessary details in the form including your complete card details, signature (same as in your passport & credit card) and send a scan/photo of this filled form as well as a scan/photo of your passport and both sides of your card by email to info@nepalyogatrek.com

Your credit card will be charged by Alpine Travel Service (Credit Card Division) on behalf of Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Please do not send the form details directly to Alpine Travel Services.

b. Payment by Wire/Bank Transfer
Please use the below details to complete a wire/bank transfer. Please note that Nepal banks do not operate the IBAN system, the below details are full and complete:

Please put down your own name as the transaction reference for easy recognition.

Please note that your transfer may be subject to an intermediary bank fee on the way to Nepal as well as your own bank's transfer fee. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd is not liable for any bank charges incurred at any stage of the transfer process.

c. Payment by Western Union or Moneygram
Send the payment option "pickup at location" to the following receiver details:

Note: After making the transfer please email us the receipt of your payment to info@nepalyogatrek.com We need the MTCN code, full sender name & address to receive the money in Western Union office.

Please note you can only send the payment in NPR (Nepali Rupee) to Nepal so we will use the current exchange rate NPR/USD to calculate the deposit amount received in USD

3. Cancellation

a. Cancellation by Guest
Written cancellation notice must be received and acknowledged by Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd. Such notice commences from the day your cancellation note is received and cancellation shall be valid with acknowledgement from the company. Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and the cancellation charge would be deducted from the advance paid. Any cancellation by a Client must be made in writing and acknowledged by the Company. The Client is strongly advised to take out cancellation insurance at the time of making the booking.

The cancellation charges are expressed hereafter as a percentage of the total tour price

DATE OF CANCELLATION

CHARGE INCURRED

60 days or more before departure

Loss of deposit

59 - 21 days before departure

50% of services booked

Less than 21 days before departure

80% of services booked

Please note no refunds will be made if you voluntarily or involuntarily leave the trip for any reason after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals and any other services not utilized. Under no circumstance will there be a refund of any kind if you don't show up on the trip departure date or if you leave the trip after the trip has started for any reasons.

Guests have to pay for the hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary, Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd is not financially responsible to provide alternative accommodation after the guest has left the itinerary voluntarily or involuntarily. However we will do our best to assist if help is requested to make any alternative arrangements.

b. Cancellation by Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd
The tour once confirmed will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so due to circumstances outside of our control (force majeure) such as major natural disaster, major political unrest or war - only when it directly affects our operations, not due to singular localized events in any part of the country.

In the event of cancellation of the booked trip due to reasons out of our control, you are free to reschedule your trip or take an alternative trip of the same category. While rescheduling the trip, you will receive the full credit from your previously booked trip, and you will only pay the difference amount between old and new prices if the price increases for the rescheduled departure. Refunds are not possible in such circumstances but credit transfer is offered. toward an alternative trip within 24 months.

Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as flight costs, insurance, accommodation and any other costs).

4. Change of itinerary due to reasons beyond our control
Travelling in Nepal requires a degree of flexibility, good humour and understanding as unforeseen changes to the itinerary, modes of transportation and accommodation can occur at any time. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt. Ltd shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances such as government restriction, extreme weather, road blockage, political unrest, flight cancellation or delay, sickness or accident, any natural disaster (earthquake, landslide, flood, snowfall, avalanche, etc) or any other circumstances beyond our control. The given itinerary is an indication of what the group should accomplish, but not a contractual obligation. No refunds are given for unused services or unrealized dreams. But we will always do our best to keep your itinerary unchanged as much as possible.

If a domestic flight is part of the itinerary at the end of the trip (ie Jomsom-Pokhara or Lukla-Kathmandu) and the flight becomes cancelled or delayed, the guest is responsible to bear all additional expenses incurred including food and accommodation costs. If you wish to make alternative arrangements such as helicopter flight to avoid international flight delays, all additional cost would be your responsibility. Moreover, Purna Yoga & Treks does not accept any responsibility for costs incurred as a result of missed international flights, but would assist to make alternative transport arrangements wherever possible.

5. Risk & Liabilities
Your safety is our number one priority and the tour leaders have an authority to make changes in the itinerary based on their risk assessment due to weather or trail conditions while the trek is in progress. Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd will not be liable for any accident, injury, health problem, emotional distress or any other health condition suffered by the client during the trip. Our packages do not include any kind of personal insurance so it is guests' own responsibility to purchase travel insurance from their own country before their trip starts. Similarly Purna Yoga & Treks will not be liable for any loss or damage of property, lost or stolen valuables or luggage.

6. Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included in the prices quoted. While every effort is made to ensure the safety of all participants at all time, it is a condition of booking that you take out a personal travel insurance policy. To protect against unforeseen circumstances it is advisable to take a comprehensive travel insurance cover from your own country and before your arrival to Nepal. Such insurance should cover personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation expenses, land and helicopter rescue from high altitude (up to the max altitude of your trek - please check this carefully with your insurance provider before booking).

We also recommend that the insurance cover includes trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

7. Privacy & Publicity
Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd has to collect your personal information in order to obtain the necessary trekking permits and for records purposes. No private or personal information that you supply to us when making a booking will ever be used for any other purposes.

You agree that Purna Yoga & Treks Pvt Ltd may use images of you taken during the trip without compensation to you, for publicity and promotion purposes through whatever medium it chooses.